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I have a passion to learn, and one great way is to copy the steps of anothers methods, which is why I wanted to know your steps. I'm really going to take your advise and I've summarised what I've got from your advise for people here, because there is no doubt that what you've produced is outstanding, and in such a short time.

1. Do the Carder Method exactly as it is given. Do not change anything. Stick to it and redo it until you are faster and trained in it.
2. It helps to sculpt the subject using the paint. This will help you give it form and make you think how the light falls on each object.
3. Keep at it until you achieve your targets.

I will write these down above my easel to remind myself. In the mean time I'm going to put my current self portrait on the side and start on a still life using Mark Carder's method.
Sorry to hear about your conditions. As I said, you are an inspiration and this is even more true now you shared that. But I hear you, it's like Doc from Back to the Future said, "Marty, put your mind to it and you can accomplish anything".

Do yourself a favor and decide for example - 6 months of doing just the steps taught in the Carder method. Only concentrate on this and just really work on training your eyes to read color and it's value. It takes time. That's really what the method is about. It's a training tool. But whatever you paint, really really push the realism factor to the best of your ability. The more you look during this phase the more you get out of it and you will be amazed at the colors and shapes within those colors you've never seen before.

I know this goes against the famous 'squint' technique :-) but right now you are just learning to see and read what you see. The more you see, the more you learn at this juncture.

One thing that helped me was NOT to think in terms of wholes or objects but as lots of little abstracts. Don't think you are painting example an apple on a table but just lots of little abstract shapes.

It really does help in the process. And then once you get this down you can go on from there and believe me no matter what method or style you decide after this learning phase, you will be well equiped to tackle any style or approach.

Remember you were given this life and make the most out of everyday:-). You will do great.

Point noted TJ, and thank you so much for this. Yesterday I finally decided to finish painting my painting room in a dark colour, so now I definately won't have any reflective light bouncing off the walls or ceilings. My still life studio box has been ready for months but I never could decide on what to paint! I think I'll just put a vase and a few plain objects and just get started.
Now's a good time to also invest in the Classeans Oil Primed Linen #13 to stretch my own canvas too so I have ample supply.

If you can afford the recommended canvas that is great! I couldn't at the time but did use oil primed linen. Just be sure during this time (which I didn't do) that you use the same type of canvas and ground? Each type of canvas and ground until you get use to using this approach is going to react differently and it can cause some frustration.

Just remember that what you are doing now is for training your eyes and hands to the best of your ability. You will be surprised at what you notice working this way. Little things in chroma and value and how it reacts with surrounding objects and lighting that latter on if you decide like me to go more impressionistic/looser? You will be aware of those little things that really can make difference and decide whether or not to include them.

The thing is you can read a zillion books on the subject but there is absolutely no replacing actually seeing it.

I'm rarely on forums anymore. I don't know why but my PM box here was unchecked for messages. I fixed that so please send me the link when you post something here? I'd love to follow your progress:-)

Don't let anything stop you from being the very best YOU can be! Give yourself the best shot.

I would like to give credit to the photographer but I can't find it now

if you have the original ref library photo and you downloaded without changing the name of it, go to the original photo, right click over the photo, go to properties at the bottom, copy the name assigned to the photo, go to the ref library and go to search, paste the photo name in the field for names and see if you get a hit.
nice work too.

Thank you so much for your explanation. I did save the file just as it was. What happened was half way through painting this my computer crashed and I lost everything! Since this post I have contacted Randysart but it doesn't look like this person is still on the forum. But thank you Randsyart wherever you are. It's a lovely photo and I'm not the only one who has used it:-)

glad you found the photo and poster, OMG did you see this one of the same little girl? one of the best ever.
that one is going in my cue, would have never seen if it not for you!
you did a great job on this one!